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Non-suicidal self-injury in developing countries: A review

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  • Srinagesh Mannekote Thippaiah
  • Muralidhara Shankarapura Nanjappa
  • Jayasudha G. Gude
  • Emanuel Voyiaziakis
  • Sohum Patwa
  • Badari Birur
  • Ananda Pandurangi

Abstract

Background: Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) may be understood as a physical and behavioral expression of emotional distress. Over the past 70 years, it has been variably formulated as a type of emotional reaction to various stressors. NSSI has complex goals, sometimes implicit, but overall it serves as a transient psychological relief. Many believe that NSSI is a maladaptive behavior and is not related to suicide, with the primary differentiating factor between suicide and NSSI being the ‘intention’ to die. NSSI is an important mental health problem in current modern societies, and it is part of a trend in current psychiatric and mental health practice to medicalize maladaptive behaviors or psychological distress. Aims: To review the prevalence, associated factors, purpose, and psychological and social significance of NSSI in developing countries. Method: This article is a narrative review. However, of the total 1,094 articles, 13 articles were included to derive information on the prevalence and methods of NSSI in the developing country. Results: NSSI rates are very variable, ranging from 11.5% to as high as 33.8%, depending on the nature of the sample and study design, but data show an increasing trend globally, including in developing countries. Conclusion: The recent emerging data does not support the notion that it is common in developed Western countries, though the meaning, context and reason for NSSI might differ in developing and developed countries. NSSI is almost equally prevalent in both developing and developed countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Srinagesh Mannekote Thippaiah & Muralidhara Shankarapura Nanjappa & Jayasudha G. Gude & Emanuel Voyiaziakis & Sohum Patwa & Badari Birur & Ananda Pandurangi, 2021. "Non-suicidal self-injury in developing countries: A review," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 67(5), pages 472-482, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:67:y:2021:i:5:p:472-482
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764020943627
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Van Der Hoek, W. & Konradsen, F. & Athukorala, K. & Wanigadewa, T., 0. "Pesticide poisoning: A major health problem in Sri Lanka," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 46(4-5), pages 495-504, February.
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    1. Rachel E. Culbreth & Karen E. Nielsen & Kate Mobley & Jane Palmier & Paul Bukuluki & Monica H. Swahn, 2024. "Life Satisfaction Factors, Stress, and Depressive Symptoms among Young Women Living in Urban Kampala: Findings from the TOPOWA Project Pilot Studies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(2), pages 1-13, February.
    2. Zia Ullah & Nighat Akbar Shah & Sonia Shamroz Khan & Naveed Ahmad & Miklas Scholz, 2021. "Mapping Institutional Interventions to Mitigate Suicides: A Study of Causes and Prevention," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(20), pages 1-16, October.
    3. Tracie I Ebalu & Jaclyn C Kearns & Lucienne Ouermi & Mamadou Bountogo & Ali Sié & Till Bärnighausen & Guy Harling, 2023. "Prevalence and correlates of adolescent self-injurious thoughts and behaviors: A population-based study in Burkina Faso," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 69(7), pages 1626-1635, November.

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